2004-05 Deliverables

Task 4 Research
Principal Investigator(s): Bob Wiedenfeld

Continue evaluation of sugarcane water use and development of crop coefficients for use with reference evapotranspiration using moisture balance based on soil moisture monitoring, degree days, and leaf area index in a 60 acre sprinkler irrigated field. Three crops have been completed, and the 3rd ratoon crop is currently growing.

Complete field study to determine sugarcane response to different levels of soil moisture stress and N fertilization in a replicated, drip irrigated field study. Three crops have been completed, and the 3rd ratoon crop is currently growing.

Continue work in cooperation with Tom Gerik to adapt and calibrate the CropMan model for sugarcane production in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Continue a replicated field study to compare crop water use for conventional vs several conservation tillage systems in the subtropical Rio Grande Valley. Spring crops consist of a cotton / grain sorghum rotation. Fall crops include a row crop (corn following cotton, soybean following surghum), a cover crop (oats following cotton, vetch following sorghum), or fallow. This is anticipated to be a long term tillage study. (Cooperator - Charles Stichler)

Continue studies to compare crop water use by different cool-season vegetable crops under drip and flood irrigation (a replicated field study). The third year of this study is currently underway, and will be continued in cooperation with Jon Jifon and Juan Enciso.

TWRI and the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute are working together to foster and communicate research and educational outreach programs focused on water and natural resources science and management issues in Texas and beyond.